November 10, 2023 | Issue No. 6 | | |
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Our 2nd Annual Community Resource Festival Recap!
On Sunday, November 5, 2023, we celebrated our 2nd annual Community Resource Festival, drawing over 800 participants for a day of connection and free access to valuable resources beyond NMCUSD Schools.
At the festival's core was a commitment to uplift our community, showcasing district programs, North County Rec’s initiatives, and the talents of our students. Attendees engaged with local partners for a chance to win a $500 Costco gift card. We also awarded our first-ever Community Service Award to Castroville Round Table for their outstanding 33 years of support, recognizing their impact on employment opportunities for North County students.
A heartfelt thanks to our sponsors: North County Parks and Rec Center, Waste Management, Vistra Battery Plant, CHISPA, Red Barn, and Teacher Solutions. Special appreciation to our North County Alumni from Big Cholk Golf for hosting a BBQ, and to Supreme Vending, Prunedale Elementary parents, and our Nutrition Department for contributions, including a free farmers market.
The festival featured resources, and involvement from the Monterey County Sheriff, Fire Department, and Monterey County Free Libraries, with special recognition for local agencies and dedicated volunteers. Our hosts, DJ Teach-Jacob Gile, Echo Valley Principal, and Lizsette Jimenez, North Monterey County Middle School Principal, guided the event's success.
Thank you to all for making this festival a day of profound connection, community spirit, and celebration!
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National School Psychologist Week | |
In honor of National School Psychologist Week, which takes place from November 6 to 10, 2023, the North Monterey County Unified School District is proud to join schools nationwide in acknowledging the crucial role that school psychologists play in promoting student success. This year's theme for National School Psychology Week, "Let's Grow Together," emphasizes the collaborative efforts of school psychologists in creating safe and nurturing learning environments. These dedicated professionals work closely with families, teachers, administrators, and experts to address students' social, behavioral, emotional, and academic needs.
To show our gratitude and appreciation for the district's school psychologists and interns, the Special Services Department has presented them with a token of recognition in acknowledgment of their dedication to students' well-being.
We thank our dedicated School Psychologists, including Nikole Holland, Kate Wolcott, Jacqueline Lemus, Alyssa Bravo, Kerra Blasing, and Jennylyn Santiago. Our appreciation also goes out to our diligent school psychologist interns: Lauren Tavlan, Monica Laguna, Claudia Zavala Lara, and Alexandra Lombardi.
Special recognition is reserved for Jahayra Molina and Kellie Bishop, our invaluable School Psychologist Specialists, who provide unwavering support and guidance to our esteemed school psychologist heroes. Your contributions have a profound impact on the lives of our students and the school community. Thank you for all that you do!
|  |  | 8th-Grade Band Shines at Salinas Salad Bowl Showcase | In an impressive musical showcase, the 8th-grade band from North Monterey Middle School participated in the Salinas Salad Bowl Showcase on November 4, 2023. Their outstanding musicianship proudly represented the school. Furthermore, five talented 8th-grade students auditioned and earned spots in the prestigious Monterey County All-Star Middle School Jazz Band. Special recognition goes to Mr. Capiaux for his invaluable support in facilitating the rehearsal and audition process. The accomplished students who achieved this honor are Chris Alejandro on Trombone, Shyla Alcaraz on Flute/Tenor Saxophone, Mikey Cordoba on Drum Set, Alyssa Diaz on Flute/Alto Saxophone, and Santiago Gonzalez on Tenor Saxophone. Congratulations to these budding musical stars! |
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Elkhorn Elementary Stands Against Bullying | Elkhorn Elementary School demonstrated a strong commitment to combating bullying during a dedicated week of activities. Throughout Anti-Bullying Week, students engaged in a series of events aimed at fostering a culture of kindness and respect. They delved into the insightful books, "Have You Filled a Bucket Today?" and "How Full is Your Bucket?", promoting empathy and positive interactions. In addition to creating school-wide "buckets" filled with stars, drips, and hearts, students, and teachers utilized the Second Step unit on bullying, equipping them with the tools to address bullying situations and stand up for what's right—the week culminated in a spirited school-wide chant and a memorable group photo, symbolizing the unity in the fight against bullying. | Central Bay Sharks Build Community Together | Central Bay High School Sharks are actively engaged in community building and meaningful projects. In a significant gesture, they officially dedicated their school garden to the memory of Raymundo Matias, a former student tragically lost last year. Supported generously by the Blue Zones Project, this achievement is a testament to their commitment. The celebrations also embraced Halloween and Dia de Los Muertos, highlighting the diverse cultural tapestry of their school community. Kudos to Lead Teacher Cindy Lipsig for her pivotal role in organizing these events, emphasizing the importance of strong school bonds and nurturing adult-student relationships at CBHS. | Let's Stay Connected NMCUSD! | | |
Small Group Instruction in Action | We extend a heartfelt shout-out to the dedicated educators at Castroville Elementary School, namely Ms. Upton, Mr. Melendez, Mrs. Fletcher, and Mrs. Yowell, who have demonstrated exceptional commitment and passion in delivering Epic small-group instruction. These teachers are relentless in their pursuit of effective strategies to ensure that every student's individual reading and math needs are met. One of their successful methods involves the use of hands-on math manipulatives, fostering number sense and conceptual learning, which in turn helps students master math standards and collaborate effectively to solve problems. Additionally, their daily routines and repetition in addressing reading gaps, such as the influence of a final "e" on vowel sounds, create a community of confident and engaged learners. Their efforts are truly making a significant impact on our students' educational journey. |
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NMCHS ASB Makes a Mark at Annual Leadership Conference with Social Media Expertise | The Associated Student Body class at North Monterey County High School (NMCHS) made a notable appearance at the yearly Northern California Area D Activities Directors Association Student Leadership Conference on November 2, 2023. This event provided an enriching opportunity for students to engage in workshops, listen to an inspiring keynote speaker, and connect with peers from neighboring high schools. Notably, NMCHS students Eva Galindo, Damian Hernandez, and Brysma Ramirez took the stage to lead a workshop presentation on the effective use of Social Media as a Communication Tool. Their participation highlighted the school's commitment to empowering students with valuable leadership skills and innovative communication strategies. | | | |
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Preschool Inclusion Teachers Participated in the Learning Lab
On October 26, the dedicated preschool inclusion teachers of the North Monterey County Unified School District (NMCUSD) came together for a valuable learning experience. Facilitated by Kristen Bellamy-Lloyd from Supporting Inclusive Practices (SIP), this learning lab was designed to foster strong co-teaching relationships within inclusive classrooms. The teachers engaged in discussions about partnerships, explored minor practice adjustments, and delved into effective co-planning strategies. An interactive workbook was utilized to encourage co-teaching pairs to have meaningful conversations and document strategies to enhance their teaching practices. The session was not only educational but also an enjoyable and dynamic experience for all participants.
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NMCUSD Appreciation Corner | |
Honoring our Veterans in NMCUS |  | |
As Veterans Day approaches, we stand ready to honor the heroes within our community – the cherished veterans, whether they be fathers, grandfathers, mothers, or grandmothers, and all those who have served and continue to do so. It's a moment to express our deep gratitude, particularly to the veterans within our school district who wear multiple hats, serving as teachers, principals, directors, and even campus security personnel. Their unwavering dedication and service, both in the military and in the field of education, leave a profound impact on the lives of our students.
We extend our heartfelt thanks to these remarkable individuals:
- Mario Perez, Data/IT Specialist, U.S. Army
- Mary Dawson, Associate Superintendent to Business Services, U.S. Army
- Angelo DiMarco, NMCUSD Board Member, U.S. Marines
- Jacob Gile, Principal of Echo Valley, U.S. Army
- Leonor Cole, Speech & Language Pathologist, U.S. Air Force
- Niecky Ovando, 5th Grade Teacher, U.S. Air Force
- Dina Sanchez, School-Based Mental Health Counselor, U.S. Marines
- Chris Mouser, NMCHS Teacher, U.S. Army
- Alvin Jenkins, Campus Security for NMCHS, U.S. Army
- And many many more!
In the words of Winston Churchill, "We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give." Our veterans embody this selfless spirit, first protecting our country and then giving back by molding the future of our students. Their service and influence on our community are deeply cherished, and we are eternally grateful.
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